Chapter 0197: Battle Preparation

Outside Königsberg, at the headquarters of the 8th Corps of the German Empire, a military meeting of paramount significance regarding the impending decisive battle was convened.

Seated in his designated position, Qin Tian listened intently to the generals' reports and the plans for the forthcoming war.

"Gentlemen, according to the reliable intelligence we have received, the Russians have formed the Northwestern Front Army, comprising thirty infantry divisions and eight cavalry divisions, with a total strength exceeding five hundred thousand men. In contrast, we possess only ten infantry divisions and one armored division, amounting to a mere hundred and eighty thousand. Thus, the Russian forces are nearly three times our number! However, despite their numerical superiority, I remain convinced they are merely marching to their doom. I believe we can vanquish them," Qin Tian remarked with a smile.

The assembled generals chuckled in agreement.

"Your Highness, based on the analysis from the General Staff, we intend to implement Plan Two, which is the strategy of luring the enemy deeper. Given the vast numerical advantage of the Russian forces, a rash assault could lead us into their traps or encirclement. Conversely, if we engage them within our own borders, we can set up ambushes and await their advance, allowing us to concentrate our superior forces and strike decisively," Major General Ludendorff stated.

Qin Tian nodded, refraining from interfering in the specifics of the military command; he trusted that these professionals were undoubtedly more adept than he, a novice. He was confident that their expertise would lead to success.

"Colonel Manstein, please introduce the operational plan to everyone," Major General Ludendorff instructed.

"Certainly, General," Colonel Manstein replied as he rose to speak.

Manstein, now serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations for the 8th Corps, was an exceptionally young colonel. At the age of 27, his promotion to this rank was indeed an extraordinary achievement. Notably, two other young officers in the 8th Corps, Colonel Guderian, aged 26, and Lieutenant Colonel Rommel, aged 23, shared similar distinctions. Guderian was currently acting as the deputy commander of the 8th Armored Division, while Rommel held the position of deputy commander as well as commanding officer of the 1st Regiment.

Though some voiced discontent regarding their rapid rise to such high ranks, no one dared to express this openly, for all recognized that these three were among Qin Tian's most favored generals. Qin Tian's standing within the 8th Corps had risen significantly, leaving no room for doubt about his authority.

"Your Highness, esteemed generals, from the intelligence we have gathered, we can ascertain that the Russian Northwestern Front Army is divided into two army groups: the 1st Army, led by General Leningrad, comprising twenty infantry divisions and two cavalry divisions stationed at Vilna, and the 2nd Army, commanded by General Samsonov, consisting of ten infantry divisions and six cavalry divisions based in Warsaw. Should the Russians launch an offensive, the 1st Army will attack from the east while the 2nd Army will strike from the south, effectively encircling East Prussia," Colonel Manstein began to outline.

Upon hearing that five hundred thousand Russian troops were poised to encircle East Prussia from two directions, many of the generals' expressions shifted uneasily. Despite their awareness that the fighting capabilities of the 8th Corps had vastly improved, they still harbored doubts about their ability to withstand an assault from an enemy thrice their size.

"Our specific tactic will see the 17th Army deployed in the east to halt the advance of the Russian 1st Army. They will implement a layered defense strategy, continuously drawing the enemy in until retreating to the Masurian Lakes region, where the dense network of rivers and marshes will hinder the movements of the large Russian formations," he explained.

"Yes!" responded Lieutenant General Seckert, commander of the 17th Army. While deploying only three infantry divisions, totaling over fifty thousand men, to confront the Russian 1st Army—boasting over thirty divisions—was a formidable task, Seckert remained confident in fulfilling the mission. After all, they were not required to engage the Russians in a direct confrontation; a strategic withdrawal was the objective.

"The 11th Army will fortify positions at Tannenberg, with the 8th Armored Division collaborating in operations there, awaiting the Russian advance," he continued.

"Yes!" responded both Lieutenant General François, commander of the 11th Army, and Colonel Guderian, acting commander of the 8th Armored Division.

"The 20th Army will move south to intercept the Russian 2nd Army, drawing them toward Tannenberg, where they will join forces with the 11th Army and the 8th Armored Division to annihilate the enemy!" 

"Yes!" confirmed Lieutenant General Mackensen, commander of the 20th Army.

"Gentlemen, our operational deployment is to shatter or even encircle the Russian 2nd Army at Tannenberg, and subsequently redirect our efforts via rail transport to eliminate the 1st Army at the Masurian Lakes, thereby annihilating the main force of the Russian Northwestern Front Army!" stated Brigadier General Hoffman, Deputy Chief of Staff and Operations Director of the 8th Corps.

Brigadier General Hoffman was a talented individual, renowned in another timeline. Therefore, after taking command of the 8th Corps, Qin Tian had placed great trust in him.

"Do any of you have further questions regarding this operation?" Qin Tian inquired.

"Your Highness, implementing a strategy to lure the enemy will inevitably cause some destruction to our homeland. The civilian population must be evacuated first; otherwise, we could inflict unnecessary harm," Lieutenant General François cautioned.

"Indeed, the evacuation of civilians has already commenced and is nearing completion. Warfare is our responsibility as soldiers, and we must strive to minimize harm to civilians. As for the destruction of their homes, that is an unavoidable consequence. War is inherently destructive. Our only recourse is to assist in rebuilding their homes once the conflict concludes," Qin Tian responded.

Lieutenant General François nodded in acknowledgment, refraining from further comment, understanding that there was little else to be done.

"Gentlemen, our battle is about to commence. From this moment forth, all units must prepare for combat. This engagement is one we must win; otherwise, our homeland will be ravaged by the Russians, and our people will face slaughter," Qin Tian declared.

"Victory is ours! Long live the Empire!" the generals shouted with unwavering resolve.

As the meeting adjourned, the various divisions of the 8th Corps began to mobilize according to the planned operational deployment. An abundance of military supplies was transported via rail and road to the frontlines, ensuring adequate provisions for the impending conflict.

The 8th Corps, meticulously prepared by Qin Tian, had unsheathed its fangs.